@sez.ej said:

Cribbs is stunting their growth.

I agree, Cribbs has special skill sets that help us out. But with him on the field at the #2 spot expect to see him taking a knee in the endzone more often so he can pace himself so he can contiue to run all of those broken routes.

@sez.ej said:

Cribbs is stunting their growth.

Uh, well, actually he's only had the two games really. He was kind of a spot guy in a couple of personnel groups in previous seasons. I'm not really passionate on either side of this argument, but I like the idea of getting Cribbs the ball more frequently. I'm not sure he's a number 2... but you have to look at it this way, IF Cribbs can get this receiver stuff down, is he more valuable than either of the other two? I mean, is there more value in adding to Cribbs skill set or Robiskie's and Massaquoi's?

I can't say... but again... Cribbs is frequently the most explosive player on the field. I'm not sure if you coach up Brian Robiskie anyone ever uses those words to describe him.

Just my 2 cents.

-jj

@sez.ej said:

Deion was the FIFTH overall pick in the draft.. UMMM as a cornerback.. He did also play special teams in college.. He knew both positions BEFORE he got to the nfl... Cribbs was an undrated free agent Quarterback... WOW>>> are you lost!!!!

EDIT>> by the way. he won the Jim Thorpe award for being the BEST defensive back in college and became the HIGHEST paid defensive player in the league...

You flame me like I didn't know Deion was a CB in college, um untrue, next...

To slow it down a notch to get my point comprehended appropriately, here you go...

You claimed in a previous post that Cribbs was a good return specialist and that we should keep it that way, no real argument there, my ultimate point directed at you is this, if Mangini is so hellbent at finding another position for him lets see how he pans out in the defensive backfield. Why? Because if he evolves into a playmaker it shouldn't affect his return game (insert Deion comment). That position also utilizes his natural skill sets (insert previous comments).

@jason-j said:

-jj

learning in SHORT ORDER???? Ummmm 4 years learning receiver...not quite mastered... not even average.. below average actually.. we need to let MoMass and Robiskie get on the field before him..

Cribbs is stunting their growth.

@azbrowns said:

That would be such a hilarious play.

Line up in a type of punt formation, everyone drop back and form a wall for cribbs

@lemosley01 said:

Damn, give the guy a break and some time to develop. Although, he should be developing as a #3 or #4, IMO.

Doesn't anyone remember when Cribbs was a disaster returning punts? I'm pretty sure he's demonstrated an ability to learn new skills, if not master them in relatively short order. I'm just sayin'

-jj

@koa said:

Correct me if I'm wrong are you saying members of the secondary can't prosper as kick returners? Read up on Deion Sanders.

Do you even read your own posts?? DEION SANDERS???? DEION SANDERS???????

Deion was the FIFTH overall pick in the draft.. UMMM as a cornerback.. He did also play special teams in college.. He knew both positions BEFORE he got to the nfl... Cribbs was an undrated free agent Quarterback... WOW>>> are you lost!!!!

EDIT>> by the way. he won the Jim Thorpe award for being the BEST defensive back in college and became the HIGHEST paid defensive player in the league...

Masters said:

Listen you're throwing this discussion all over the place. I'm saying as of now we know Cribbs has an exceptional vision of the field, likes to hit people and is an explosive player. If you were to name those skill sets anyone would tell you those are fundamental assets for a safety.

If you think Brodney Pool or Mike Adams are sufficient for an unlikely playoff run than we'll have to agree to disagree.

Bottom line, all I'm saying is keep him at KR/PR or put him at safety or RB where the potential exceeds his current role.

@sez.ej said:

Keep him there and stop trying to make him somthing he is not!!!!!!!

We have other players that actaully PLAY those other positions.. They do not need to learn from scratch..

Sure we have players, but not playmakers, and Cribbs has the opportunity to be one. With a team not talented enough to compete with Super Bowl hopefuls these are the types of adjustments that need to be made whether you like it or not.

Correct me if I'm wrong are you saying members of the secondary can't prosper as kick returners? Read up on Deion Sanders.

@sez.ej said:

Don't forget gunner and kick off coverage.

@koa said:

He already has a position of success.. kick and punt returns.. Stop. do not pass go. do not collect 200$.

Keep him there and stop trying to make him somthing he is not!!!!!!!

We have other players that actaully PLAY those other positions.. They do not need to learn from scratch..

@sez.ej said:

I disagree completely. My point is that safety and running back better fit Cribbs' skill set. So if we're going to start him somewhere from scratch it's obvious to put him at a position with a higher probability of success. Running precise routes and concentrating on the pigskin while a safety is about to pop you is not his forte. He's the one that likes to do the hitting not the other way around. The bottom line is that he knows WR just as much as he knows safety (or RB)... so let's end this charade and see if he's got some Bob or Barry Sanders in him.

The guy has excellent vision of his opponents in front of him. On special teams he had a panoramic view of the opposition and used his explosiveness to cut through the seams. He excelled at QB and even ran over 1,000 yards at Kent State. Why? They were in front of him. Playing WR is a completely different element because that panoramic vision is no longer there. Now Cribbs has to run precise routes, turn his back to the opponent, catch a ball, and then scope the field and use his talents. This is utilizing him so poorly.

So what position not on special teams can show Cribb's that head on view I keep repeating? His two best bets are running back or safety. Make him one and watch him shine.

@sez.ej said:

I saw that too... and I'd agree with you if the pattern was 1 or 2 yards shy of a 1st down. But on 3rd and 8 or longer, and he is running a 3 yard pattern. That's a play design by the OC, not a mis-read on distance needed by Cribbs.

He basically was the outlet option for Quinn, and Quinn chose to throw to him before anything else could develop.

@legacy-fan said:

Ahh yeah ... that has been a problem since 1999, and a blame squarely on the coaching.

I hate watching other NFL games because it seems like your watching a different league. We have trouble executing the most basic plays.

Can we just hit Cribbs in-stride then? Is that too much to ask?

@atenears said:

I'd like to see him involved in screens, like the Colts used this past weekend. Have him catch the ball underneith coming parallel with the line, form a wall for him to cut off of and get him off to the races.

Yeah but then we'd actually have to run a screen pass.

I'd like to see him involved in screens, like the Colts used this past weekend. Have him catch the ball underneith coming parallel with the line, form a wall for him to cut off of and get him off to the races.

@dawg08 said:

And he's still not being used right. If you're going to put him in the WildDawg, when in the hell are you going to let the guy throw a freaking pass? I'm sure they haven't forgotten he was a QB @ Kent State.

His best shot outside of special teams is on offense. He has spent the past four years at wide receiver in the NFL and spent his college career as a quarterback. It is absurd to believe he could step in and replace a solid starter at safety. Maybe I'm wrong and he someday becomes a decent safety, but even if that does happen it sure wont be mid season just deciding, "Uh... wanna play safety?"

@chip-banks said:

I have been saying this for two years. Depending upon the coverage you could exploit the defense. If a linebacker has him send him deep but he could be killer on crossing routes with a head of steam